You can take the girl out of England, but you’ll never take England out of the girl, as they say, and no truer is word was ever said than when it comes to a British lass and her home comforts . . . Like fish & chips . . .

However, despite my patriotic calling, this dish is not one often found on my menu being high in fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and nowadays having a dubious question mark around the source and quality of the fish. What joy of joys to then find Hook, a reinvention of the classic British fish & chip joint, in bustling Camden, London

As you would expect from anything discovered in Camden, Hook is ahead of the crowd. Such is the draw of this iconic Borough of London, that since the early seventies it has become synonomous with iconoclastic British culture, notably rock n’ roll and fashion, and is the home of the legendary Camden Market. Keeping one step ahead, Hook has now also expanded into another infamous London community, Brixton.

Founded by Simon Whiteside and Barry Wallace, Hook was born as a simple market stall in Dublin n 2011, making a name for themselves with a unique, “new-school” take on fish and chips. With a commitment to serving delicious, high quality food sourced from the best, local suppliers and working with 100% sustainable fisheries , Hook reinvents fast food as good food. This restaurant is so off-the-hook, that it was featured on the U.S. Food Network’s hit show, Diners, Drive-In’s and Diveswith host, Guy Fieri.

Bringing a new twist to an old classic, fish is seasoned to perfection with hand-crafted herbs and spices, then dipped in delicate panko breadcrumbs and tempura battered; the beloved British side, mushy peas, is given a makeover with an infusion of fresh mint, and all of their sauces including tartar, ketchup, truffle, Chipotle, and basil and chili, are hand-made using special herbs and seasonings.

Sustainability is at the heart of this quintessentially modern, British restaurant brand, who are SRA-acredited and incorporate both water aid and fair-trade ethics in their commitment to operating a responsible business.

From 100% biodegradable corn-starch cutlery, and reusable, reclaimed wood, service boxes, to sharing education about sustainability with local schools and colleges, Hook’s commitment is to reflect their love of the Earth and its communities, in everything they do.

And with a simple core brand ethos of “awesome food, served by amazing people, in fantastic locations. It’s how it all began, and it’s how we will stay,” how could we be anything other than hooked?

In exploring the best places to stay in Turkey, we spoke with Turkish native and travel expert Sirma Gulgul, who founded elite travel agency Credo Tours. Credo has arranged individualized travel itineraries for thousands of visitors to Turkey in the past twenty-two years, including Oprah’s visit, so Sirma’s perspective is invaluable in evaluating Turkey for a well-deserved holiday this year. Sirma introduced us to the ultimate eco luxury getaway to the Sacred House Hotel, an ornately-crafted stone inn in the breathtaking land of Capaddocia, an enchanting experience not to be missed while visiting Turkey.

The Sacred House Hotel located in this land of mystery and freedom, provides a unique historical, religious, and cultural heritage. It is one of the most magical places you will ever visit, feeling literally sacred as its name suggests, and appropriately sitting in the heart of an open-air museum, perpetuating an atmosphere of antiquity and taking you to an experience only found centuries ago.

This stunning and majestic hotel pays homage to its surrounding and history, respecting its natural environment. All meals are prepared using locally-sourced produce, staff are local, and only organic pure essential oils are used in their divine spa treatments. It is known as the “fairy house” for it literally feels as though you’ve stepped foot into a fairytale from another time.

Not only does this genuine beauty symbolize the true essence of Cappadocia, it is also located just a few miles from both the UNESCO World Heritage site and the airport.

While enjoying your stay at the Sacred House Hotel, Sirma, through Credo, will arrange a stunning hot air balloon ride or traditional Whirling Dervish ceremony to truly give you the experience of a lifetime. It’s the perfect adventure to add to your time in Cappadocia, and your exploration of Turkey. Truly sacred indeed!

Relax and rejuvenate at this premier luxury destination for health and wellness in North Miami Beach. The iconic Carillon Miami Beach sits on a coveted slice of North Miami Beach – an exclusive haven for those who want a sense of relaxation, minus the frenzy of the South Beach strip. What sets this property apart from the other luxury options in Miami is not just location; it’s their commitment to creating a healing wellness destination that proves life changing for thousands of guests every year. The world-class spa & fitness facility is a 70,000 square foot playground offering everything from Shaman Journeys and Sound & Color Acupuncture sessions, to 40+ daily fitness classes, personal training, and one-on-one time with the onsite functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Karen Koffler.The food is locally sourced and organic whenever possible and always seasonally influenced. Executive Chef Fritz Zwahlen’s culinary creations at restaurant THYME pair perfectly with the restaurant’s prime oceanfront views – a rare find on Miami Beach. The Lounge & Café, The Cabana (pool bar), and a healthy juice bar round out the hotel’s dining experiences, and because the hotel is an all-suite property, guests can cook their own meals if they prefer. Never pretentious, but always impeccable, the service at the Carillon sets the standard for an extraordinary stay, welcoming you to focus on your health, relaxation and personal journey.

With a view to the importance of community and an emphasis on sustainability, the new town of Serenbe in Georgia is blazing a trail in good living.

Just forty minutes south west of Atlanta, nestled in the Chattahoochee Hills, something radical is happening in the new town of Serenbe. The people who live there not only talk to each other, but they actively focus on living harmoniously alongside each other; they come out on their porches, which are a necessity according to home design in the area and situated close to the small meandering roads of this delightful place, and residents discuss community policy, events and life. As idealistic as it sounds, the focus is on wellness, education, sustainability and happiness.

Much has been written about how this utopia came to be, about how its founding father, a former restaurateur Steve Nygren, and his wife, Marie, came to the area looking for a place to retire only to find their slice of paradise being encroached on by developers. But what is really remarkable about this story is how Nygren quickly formulated a vision of what would be good for this exquisite countryside and understood that in order to protect it, he would have to lobby and fight to get outdated and wasteful planning code changed. He sought out and harnessed the advice and energies of many advisors from various industries connected to planning and development and then identified the way in which the land could be thoughtfully developed with minimum destruction to its luscious scenery.

Nygren’s vision has extended to every aspect of living in this small but rapidly expanding town; art is everywhere, from curlicued lamp posts to pieces of sculpture placed at the center of small communal courtyards in the middle of Architectural Digest-worthy homes. As for the homes themselves, no detail has gone unnoticed. There are luxurious but affordable abodes for families, artists, even a retirement community that has a larger shared residence for visiting family members. One part of the town is designed along the lines of half-timbered English hamlet – it’s like a fairytale come to life.With everything from a well-stocked local store, filled with organic and artisan-made products, to beautiful restaurants that work for all budgets (and are supplied with fresh produce from the town’s small organic farm), a visit to Serenbe cannot help but make you reconsider your own living situation and wonder why you are not ensconced in this woodland paradise. Everything is done to honor nature, including homes that are situated with a thought to the rolling vistas near them, blueberry bushes that line the streets and even a theater company (with production values worthy of any large city company) that performs in the middle of the forest and uses the mystery of this setting to wonderful effect.

It will be interesting to see how Serenbe fares in the future and what continuing development will bring. But the legacy of Steve Nygren is unquestionably magnificent, and his family, who are all actively involved in Serenbe’s growth, seem focused on maintaining the same course. Serenbe is breathtaking, the stuff of an idyllic childhood. It is also the stuff of a beautiful, healthy, eco-conscious adulthood. Visit soon.

In our new series of top destinations for 2016 we are highlighting the best places to stay and explore across Turkey. We spoke with Turkish native and travel expert Sirma Gulgul, who founded elite travel agency Credo Tours. Credo has arranged individualized travel itineraries for thousands of visitors to Turkey in the past twenty-two years, including Oprah’s time in Turkey, so Sirma’s perspective is invaluable in evaluating Turkey for a well-deserved holiday this year. Here Sirma shares the best way to see the coast of Turkey – on your own private gulet, which is a traditional Turkish yacht that you can hire to take you on a private adventure with family and friends along the ancient coastline.

The Best Way To Explore the Turkish Coast:Southern Cross Blue Cruise

The Turkish coast is stunning. Crystal clear blue seas, ancient ruins and small rural villages make it one of the most sought after experiences for 2016. When you cruise the coast, you begin your days with a locally sourced Mediterranean breakfast. Fresh fruit, olives, local feta and kasar cheeses, pine honey, sour cherry jam, and organic eggs prepared to order are offered. You can spend your days swimming, exploring local culture, hiking, or learning to cook local Turkish food. Sirma recommends cruising with Southern Cross Blue Cruising, a highly regarded Australian/Turkish/American-owned gulet charter company based in Bodrum, Turkey. We love that they let you be part of charting your own itinerary and with over 17 years of yachting and charter experience combined with local Turkish knowledge and resources, they are a truly committed, hands-on team dedicated to consistently delivering the perfect yacht-charter experience. “Blue Cruising’ portrays the Turkish boating heritage with wooden yachts and abundant local cuisine. Rental prices include a captain, chef, and first mate and Credo can arrange everything for you from start to finish.

Just west of the beautiful waters of Belize, head into the jungle to find the Gaïa Riverlodge which provides the perfect base from which to explore Belize’s natural wonders.With magical views of the falls and the surrounding jungle forest reserve, the lodge provides you with the perfect environment to sit back and relax to the sound of cascading water.Perched on the edge of a valley overlooking the Five Sisters waterfalls, this astounding lodge offers a choice of 16 beautiful private cabanas ranging in size and location. They contain the most incredible designs: Belizean hardwood, traditional bay leaf thatched roofs, and varnished mahogany interiors. And if that isn’t enough already, each cabana features panoramic windows or a private veranda with a hammock, ceiling fans, a bathroom decorated with hand-painted Mexican tiles, beds with pillow top mattresses, and Matouk and Frette linen. The treetops are full with a vast amount of birds, and bird watchers can often be seen spotting out the many species that live among this diverse habitat. Along the trails, you can also witness a spectacular array of over 450 species of orchids, and other exotic plants while butterflies dance around. The restaurant and lounge offer spectacular views, featuring an expansive veranda that wraps around the building. For those who enjoy watching the morning sunrise or sipping on cocktails before dinner, this is the perfect spot! For those adventurers out there, you may enjoy a visit to the Mayan ruins, zip lining the evergreen treetops, exploring the mystical caves of Belize, horseback riding on wilderness trails, and boating along the local rivers. For those who just want to kick back and relax, you can swim in the clear waters of the river just inches from your cabana, or relax in the sun on our tiny river-island retreat. And after a day of adventure, relax in a romantic atmosphere in a lamp-lit dining room and enjoy delicious local Belizean dishes and international cuisine prepared using organic produce from the garden. You can also enjoy other locally grown fruits and vegetables, and seafood from the nearby Caribbean Sea. There is a diverse breakfast options of which include, Continental, American, Belizean and Mayan. The lunch menu on the other hand offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, as well as local Belizean fajitas and enchiladas.

Mexico has hundreds of picturesque resorts, but Capella Ixtapa is something truly special. We fell in love with the intermingling of modern and traditional Mexican touches that can be found throughout the property like handmade clay, stone meeting sleek marble, and polished hardwoods. This method of construction, which honors the vast local heritage in a cosmopolitan way, has become a Capella Resort trademark.

The hotel itself consists of 59 suites that face the ocean with expansive terraces. The suites feature a beautiful grand master bedroom, spacious living area, a private terrace, and infinity edge plunge pools. Capella Ixtapa is also eco-friendly, minimizing water consumption, recycling, and using the finest fresh locally sourced ingredients in their restaurants. The chef at Capella purchases sustainable food from surrounding markets and is eager to share what is in season and packed with maximum flavor.

At Capella, you can enjoy the exotic beauty of Mexico from the privacy of your room, or chose to travel into the charming cities of Zihuatenejo or Ixtapa which are both less than 20 minutes away. We also loved that Capella loans bikes and we explored the paved bike trail that winds through a tropical forest, where you can see a wide range of wildlife and pass by an idyllic harbor. Paradise.

If you want a truly exceptional getaway unlike any other resort experience, then Paws Up is your place. Situated on a sprawling cattle ranch on the plains of western Montana, this award winning resort boasts a flattering combination of unspoiled wilderness and incomparable luxury. At the ranch, you’ll live day-to-day, adventure-to-adventure.

Guests are invited to spend an hour, a day, or a week on horseback — all in a wilderness sanctuary that is never to be forgotten. Cast a fly in sparkling waters to eager trout, explore the land Lewis & Clark swooned over, or lose yourself in a world-class spa constructed of luxury tents, looking out over a vast plain surrounded by tall pines. Here, you’ll sleep on the finest sheets, eat world-class cuisine and receive impassioned personalized service. It’s home to first-class adventure on a grand scale.

While at the ranch, connect with nature and experience all of the adventures that these beautiful surroundings offer, while being surrounded by elegant yet rustic comfort and world-class amenities.

Paws Up celebrates the earth, and engages in green and conscientious practices. As an organization, they have made many significant environmental commitments including catch-and-release fishing and sustainable farming practices. As lovers of nature and all it provides, the individuals at Paws Up believe in the responsible stewardship of the land. The resort chooses to be “green” by offering “farm and ranch to table” style dining, in a unique setting of thirty safari-style tented guest accommodations that provide a minimal carbon footprint, and provide each guest a complimentary Paws Up reusable water bottle in an effort to reduce the unnecessary consumption of plastics. In addition, the resort supports the development of the Greeno brand, a company that converts deadfall trees killed by the North American Mountain Pine Beetle into sustainable flooring.

Whether you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime, summer family vacation with activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, paintball, rafting, kayaking and rappelling; a girls’ getaway or bridal shower during their Cowgirl Spring Round-Up, or just need to escape life’s daily demands and the grind of the big city on an all-American Safari, this stunning resort has it all. So what are you waiting for? Get on your giddy horse and ride ’em, Cowgirl!

A luxurious and authentic, yet eco-friendly resort to visit when in Belize.

Located just 5 miles north of San Pedro, across the second largest coral reef in the world, on the Ambergris Caye Island, Matachica Resort & Spa is a Belize resort renowned for the elegance and refinement of its 31 villas. Complimented with a natural white sand private beach, Matachica is the perfect vacation spot for a calm and relaxing get away. Every villa is embellished with the charm that characterizes Central America. Vibrantly colored and exotic with thatched roofs, each is uniquely decorated with hints of Central American motifs and original art collected from around the world. They are spacious, privately located from each other, and include indigenous features of large traditional mosaic bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private patios with hammocks, bathrobes and daily maid service. Here you will find a subtle yet tasteful combination of tradition and modernity aimed at your comfort and wellbeing.

Want to be more active? Discover Belize through it’s various activities: water-taxi rides to the village of San Pedro, scuba diving in the miraculous turquoise sea, taste the local cuisine, and jungle hike within Belize’s lush vegetation, which are all included though various packages offered. For the ultimate indulgence, visit their Jade Spa for rejuvenating massages and treatments using only natural ingredients sourced locally from the Belizean jungle and sea. From banana and papaya facials, coffee scrubs, body wraps, and traditional deep tissue massage, the Jade Spa is sure to provide you with an authentic Belizean experience. For a truly unique dining experience, try out the award-winning Mambo Restaurant. There you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of contemporary paintings, local ceramic treasures, exotic handcrafted Belizean art and beautiful Central American furniture, while light Belizean music plays in the background. This restaurant is known to be one of the best restaurants in the country, offering locally inspired flavors and inspiring combinations.

And if all that relaxation isn’t enough and you’re looking for a zen spot for your morning meditation , walk down to the jetty, take in the stunning ocean view, and breathe. Yes, life really is this good.

A bountiful haven of authentic Mexican cuisine and vegan fare, LA is shamefully overdue for a Mexican-vegan eatery. Not only does Gracias Madre in West Hollywood not disappoint – it ups the ante. These comidas aren’t just vegan, they’re plant-based. Not to mention organic AND locally grown. The holy trinity: healthy, environmentally friendly and supporting the local agricultural economy. While Gracias Madre originally hails from San Francisco, its south of the border style cuisine seems better suited to its new SoCal backdrop. But don’t expect $2 tacos and bottomless margaritas at this joint. This grub reeks of swank.

Case in point: the cocktails. On principle, I don’t routinely go for beverages equal in price to that of an entree. Not to mention — unless it contains bubbles (or rhymes with risky) — alcohol is rarely an object of temptation for this girl. Admittedly, though, these libations do sound pretty heavenly. Enticing concoctions of lavender, lime and tequila blanco adorn the beverage menu. I suspect that even I will eventually cave and take the pricey plunge for some of those seductive apértifs.

The food is not the only scrumptious thing that Gracias Madre serves up. The setting is equally luscious. An airy hideaway tucked away on Melrose, its spaciousness is exemplified by white-washed brick walls, high ceilings and sleek wooden floors. Enlivened by accents of mosaic tiles, small succulents, looming leafy plants, and brightly-colored Mexican textiles, GM nails the details. It straddles the aesthetically delicious line between unassuming and lavish – and is on trend as hell.

So, the drinks are works of art, the decor is exquisite, yada yada yada. Let’s get to the good stuff – the FOOD. Like the surroundings, the food is clean, elegant, and all-around satisfying. Expect to find the classics – the originality of this menu doesn’t lie in the types of dishes, but in the execution. The items may be predictable, but the flavor isn’t. On that note, let’s talk enchiladas: topped with a generous helping of mushrooms, sauteed greens and beans, the enchiladas are swimming in a chocolatey, smokey mole sauce. Lip-smacking goodness. Just, yum. As are the tacos, quesadillas, flautas…I could go on.

Go for the atmosphere, stay for the food. If you’re feeling really wild, splurge on a cocktail. But, whatever you do, don’t skip out on dessert. Dessert is rarely a must in my book. Don’t get me wrong, my sweet tooth is as incessant as the next sugar-addict’s, but an attempt at self-control (and an ever dwindling sum in my bank account) frequently leads me to dodge the dessert menu. A post-meal treat has always been a luxury – not a necessity. But Gracias Madre bulldozed its way through and broke that ideological mold.

Allow me to recommend the apple cobbler, a specimen of warm, flaky perfection. The spiced pumpkin cake is a close second; the balance of autumnal spices is tremendous. And both are garnished with a vanilla bean coconut ice cream that will tease and delight your taste buds. Again, there are no radical concepts or shocking flavor combos here – you won’t find molecular gastronomy on this menu. Despite the absence of a chemistry set in the making of these sweets, they are some of the best I’ve ever sampled. Get on it.

In short: drink in the atmosphere, chow down on the locally sourced, organic eats, get giggly off a cocktail, and split dessert. Buen provecho!